GAVIN O'KEEFE bagged the game's only goal as Jacobs were crowned youth division champions at the first time of asking thanks to a decisive 1-0 win over Cammell Laird.

Poulton Victoria surrendered possession of the league's Pyke Cup after they were beaten 2-1 by rival division one outfit Runcorn Town in a keenly contested semi-final.

The holders had veteran campaigner Kevin Thompson on target, but replies by Danny Cummins and Steve Latham endorsed Runcorn's passport to a Good Friday morning showdown with Castrol Social at Vauxhalls.

Second placed Cammell Laird Res made further headway in their bid to erode West Kirby's lead at the top of division one after Timmy Bigland and Chris Nezianya netted in a 2-0 victory over Newton.

But despite efforts from Marvin Molyneux and Simon Donaghue, the improving Maghull had to settle for a share of the spoils after Steve Pinnington and Simon Thelwell replied for Castrol Social in a 2-2 draw.

New Brighton found themselves on the receiving end for the second week in succession, and this time it was Heswall who profited after efforts from Jamie Kenyon (2), Craig Griffiths and Tommy Rowlands anchored the visitors to a 4-1 success.

Division two champions-elect Poulton Vics Res require just two points to confirm their title success after a solitary effort from Ian Sheridan clinched all three points at West Kirby Res.

John McDonald scored the winner for Halton seven minutes from time at Mallaby, and in another 1-0 nail-biter, Steve Rafferty obliged for second placed Maghull Res against Bebington Ath.

Three goal Jimmy Hilditch was joined on the scoresheet by Dave Forbes (2) and Richie Wainright as Willaston romped home 6-2 at Chester Nomads.

A Peter McNulty hat-trick steered Heswall Res to a 5-2 win at Helsby, while doubles from Chris Yew and Ian Forster set Grange Athletic up for a 7-0 demolition of Ashville Res.

In division three, Ashton Gibiliru bagged a treble for Fairfield Ath Res in their 5-3 eclipse of Capenhurst Villa Res.

And Ryan Cullen followed suit with three for Hale in their 5-1 drubbing of Upton AA Res.